MusicMap’s ‘Soundscape’ series is a brilliant way to keep up with local music scenes and global trends. Every few weeks, the people behind this amazing platform visit a different country and ask someone familiar with the scene to serve up a mix of the finest local sounds…

“Following our recent trips to Peru, India and Mexico, this month we’re visiting Lebanon for our first Soundscape from the Middle East. Our guide this time is Beirut-based DJ, promoter and producer Ziad Nawfal, co-founder of ground-breaking independent label Ruptured and managing director of Irtijal, the country’s first experimental music festival. Ziad Nawfal has spent his career championing independent Lebanese music via his ‘Ruptures’ and ‘Decalages’ shows on Radio Lebanon, so we knew we were in for a treat with his Soundscape mix…”

Listen below:

“It turns out that it’s pretty difficult to summarise Beirut musically in an hour,” Ziad admits. “Especially for someone who’s been working amidst this scene for so long. I chose to include artists who are all currently active, with the one exception of Scrambled Eggs, the first band I worked with back in 2006. I also chose to focus on more experimental and leftfield forms of music, whether electronic, rock, or folk, and in the process many artists whom I’m fond of had to be cast aside. Heartfelt apologies to those. This is a very personal take on what Beirut represents for me, musically. Sometimes pretty, sometimes ugly, often difficult, always challenging. I hope you enjoy this mix!”

For its new CD release “Calamita”, Lebanese indie label Ruptured presents a concert with a unique line-up of experimental musicians:

Sharif Sehnaoui (electric guitar) & Tony Elieh (electric bass), from bands Bao, Electric Wormholes and Karkhana, will be joined by special guests Khyam Allami (drums) & Sam Shalabi (electric guitar), playing live for the 1st time at Beirut Open Space.